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Topic: Bee suits (Read 2394 times)

I know you can spend several hundred dollars on a bee suit. I wish I could. But can't at this time. With that being said, who makes the best suit for around a hundred bucks or so, and what would I bee looking for in the workmanship area. Would you get one with an attached veil? Looking for all inputs. Thanks

same, only i use just this jacket. visibility is good. it has pockets. not to hot. holds up to washing. good elastic so that when you are working above your head doing cutouts or swarms, you don't get bees up your shirt or down your sleeves :-)

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.....The greatest changes occur in their country without their cooperation. They are not even aware of precisely what has taken place. They suspect it; they have heard of the event by chance. More than that, they are unconcerned with the fortunes of their village, the safety of their streets, the fate of their church and its vestry. They think that such things have nothing to do with them, that they belong to a powerful stranger called the government. They enjoy these goods as tenants, without a sense of ownership, and never give a thought to how they might be improved.....

I went to the resale store, bought several white shirts for 50-cents each. A veil, shirt & jeans is my usual beekeeping attire. I have a couple of those cheap, tyvek painter overalls that I use if the girls are particularly testy and I have to get in the hive for some reason (but they are HOT to wear!).

I also have the dadant jacket. It's always right by my side when I'm working the bees. Either in my truck or laying on a nearby hive. It's a nice piece of equip.

The bees have even asked me to put it on a time or two. :shock:

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"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me . . . Anything can happen, child. Anything can be"

The economy Mann-Lake suits are a really good value. Since they are made in India they are inexpensive but well made with double fabric in the hood. I don't see a need to purchase a more expensive suit unless you are purchasing an Ultra-Breeze or a Golden Bee Product suit. For full disclosure, I am associated with Golden Breeze the maker of the Ultra-Breeze.

Can I jump in and ask you guys to elaborate about the sizing? I am just about to order a beesuit and some jackets. Do I need to order the next size up or more from what the measurements say we would wear so they won't be too snug?

same, only i use just this jacket. visibility is good. it has pockets. not to hot. holds up to washing. good elastic so that when you are working above your head doing cutouts or swarms, you don't get bees up your shirt or down your sleeves :-)

Do you know what the Mann Lake jacket is made from? Cotton, polyester, or both? It doesn't say on the link page.

I own the Pollinator from Mann Lake and I am a pretty big guy. Its the 2XL one. No complaints other than I wish it were cooler when doing cutouts. Might try one of those ultrabreeze as a full suit is not needed for me.One thing I can say for sure, dont waste your money on a veil, just buy a less expensive coat as the veils just are a waste of time and money. The only good thing w./them, is I now have a veil for house guests who get adventurous.

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"The more complex the Mind, the Greater the need for the simplicity of Play".

All I can tell you is that I buy 2 sizes larger so I have more room when bending over, etc... If its really hot and you're sweating and dealing with arnery bees you don't want the fabric sticking to your skin, this is where you will get stung. You may be able to get by getting one size larger but talk to the manufacturer and they can guide you better.

65 poly 35 cotton. i agree, you might want to order the next size up. i found the size on the mann lake jacket to be true, but a little more room makes it cooler in summer and lets you wear more in winter if you need to take a peak.

i don't know if KONASDAD is recommending no face protection? i would say that a veil is something you should own if you don't have a combo outfit. stings to the eyes, nose, etc. can be very dangerous. eye stings require immediate medical attention, and airway stings can cause you to swell and not be able to breath.

i swell like crazy, so i always cover up. some choose not to, and thats ok. you should probably know how you react before you make that call.

PS....JP didn't mention that thing about close fitting clothes until after i had done a cutout in tight jeans! you will get stung through the clothes if they are a tight fit and your bees get aggravated enough!!

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.....The greatest changes occur in their country without their cooperation. They are not even aware of precisely what has taken place. They suspect it; they have heard of the event by chance. More than that, they are unconcerned with the fortunes of their village, the safety of their streets, the fate of their church and its vestry. They think that such things have nothing to do with them, that they belong to a powerful stranger called the government. They enjoy these goods as tenants, without a sense of ownership, and never give a thought to how they might be improved.....

Thanks for the tips, you guys. I was going to order from Dadant (unless Mann Lake's jacket was all cotton) as they are closer and shipping might be cheaper for the nuc and swarm traps I am also ordering. I am definitely getting the jackets/suit with the hoods for face protection. I have no idea yet how I react to bee stings so we will play it safe until we find out.

No, I am not suggesting going w/o face gear. Just a pollinator coat is best. The veil become so loose, it is a hassle. I now put on coat, leave hood down and flip up if needed. The veil was about $20. Cheap coat is about $50 - $75. IMO, if i did it all ovcer again, would just buy an inexpensive pollinator coat to start with is all.

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"The more complex the Mind, the Greater the need for the simplicity of Play".

yup. i got more stings from bees going up the thing than if i'd just left it off! :-)

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.....The greatest changes occur in their country without their cooperation. They are not even aware of precisely what has taken place. They suspect it; they have heard of the event by chance. More than that, they are unconcerned with the fortunes of their village, the safety of their streets, the fate of their church and its vestry. They think that such things have nothing to do with them, that they belong to a powerful stranger called the government. They enjoy these goods as tenants, without a sense of ownership, and never give a thought to how they might be improved.....